DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE HERE
GameSpot's Guide to Starcraft

The Zerg Campaign

The Zerg Campaign, the Queen of Blades, contains 10 grueling missions that detail the course of Kerrigan's inevitable ascension to power as the apparently supreme ruler of the galaxy, while a hidden mission reveals that there remains more of the story to be told. Kerrigan's campaign has her waging unlikely alliances not just with Lt.Duran, but with her old enemies - Jim Raynor, Arcturus Mengsk, Fenix, and Zeratul - as she fights to wrest control of her Zerg broods from a newly awakened Overmind, now controlled by the UED.

The Zerg missions are especially challenging and demand both that you use finesse with a variety of units, including the new Lurker and Devourer, and also that you overpower your enemies through sheer numbers.

Mission 1: Vile Disruption

Overview
Using limited forces, including a handful of powerful Hunter-Seeker Hydralisks, you must work your way across a zigzagging landmass to rescue seven overrun Hives.

Pairs of Scourges can make short work of enemy Guardians.

Possible Expansions
This is a tactical mission, so you will not have a centralized base, nor will you need to expand your territory.

Key Points
You're faced with enemy Zerg here. Your Hunter-Killers are powerful, but keep an eye on their hit points; walk weaker ones to the back of your ranks, allowing them to continue to fight without fear of dying. You will need to reach the last Hive by using the Nydus Canal.

Queens and the Spawn Broodlings ability are your best weapon against enemy Ultralisks.

Walk-through
Move your forces northwest and liberate the first Hive while making short work of Zergling invaders. Make your way east to the next Hive, killing the enemy Hydralisks along the way. You'll be reinforced with more Hydralisks, after which you should proceed south and west to the next Hive. A Zergling ambush beyond the first bridge shouldn't be too difficult to repel, and the third Hive is just beyond. You'll be reinforced with Scourgess, which you can use in pairs to kill three Guardians attacking directly from the south. Beware, however - two more Guardians are on their way to attack the fourth Hive. Use your remaining Scourgess or your Hydralisks against them, but not before you kill the Zerglings attacking the lone Spore Colony to the southeast of the third Hive.

Hunter-Killer reinforcements will help fend off the insurgents at the seventh Hive.

Once the fourth Hive is liberated, it will be attacked by Zerglings and Hydralisks from north and west. Fortunately, you will be reinforced. Once two waves of enemies are dead, proceed northwest to the next Hive with your reinforcements and be ready for more combat. After you liberate this Hive, you'll receive four fully charged Queens. Ultralisks will attack from the south, but your Queens can kill them instantly with the Spawn Broodlings ability. You can take care of any remaining Ultralisks with your Hunter Killers as they bother themselves with your Sunken Colonies. Now only Mutalisks stand between you and the sixth Hive, but your Hydralisks can take them down, especially if you use a Queen to ensnare them. You'll be reinforced with Defilers, but you don't need them. Instead, move your Hydralisks through the nearby Nydus Canal and make a beeline for the final Hive, killing only what stands directly in your way. Once you reach it, you'll be heavily reinforced, and those units should be able to stave off whatever enemies remain. Once all opposing Zerg are eliminated, your mission is accomplished.

Next: Mission 2: Reign of Fire
 

GameSpot is a CNET Networks Media Property. Copyright ©1995-2001 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy policy.